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Timeline: Refugees and housing pressures in Glasgow (2022-2026)
A chronological look at how asylum seekers and refugees intersect with Glasgow's housing shortage, the use of hotels for temporary accommodation, and the political debate ahead of elections. The timeline covers policy changes, council spending, and housing outcomes through 2025 and into 2026.
Why It Matters
Glasgow bears a large share of asylum housing demand, influencing local services, funding, and political positions as the city grapples with housing shortages.
Timeline
9 Events
May 7, 2026 election context: MSPs elected; immigration policy at Westminster
April 28, 2026
MSPs are elected on 7 May 2026 and will not have a say over immigration policy, which is decided at Westminster. Parties set out positions on asylum housing and related policy.
April 28, 2026: article published on refugees and Glasgow housing
April 28, 2026
The article reports on refugees' impact on housing in Glasgow, the broader housing crisis, and campaign debates ahead of the elections.
March 2026: homelessness waiting time increased to 42 days
March 2026
The waiting period for homelessness accommodation was previously 28 days and was set to 42 days as of March 2026.
April 2025 to September 2025 homelessness applications in Glasgow
April 2025
Between April and September 2025, Glasgow City Council recorded 3,895 homelessness support applications, of which 1,685 were from people with refugee status or leave to remain (excluding Ukrainian nationals). This rate was significantly higher than Scotland's overall figure of 15%, with Edinburgh at 29%.
Scottish housing numbers for 2025
2025
Scottish government figures show 17,336 new homes built in 2025 (down 13% on the previous year) and 14,999 starts (down 6%); Shelter Scotland says Scotland risks missing the 2032 target of 110,000 affordable homes.
Refugee housing costs in 2025–26 and forecast
2025
The cost of addressing applications from refugees was £38m in 2025-26, funded from council funds; forecasts rise to £56m in the coming year and to £74m in 2027-28.
Glasgow housing stock shortage and use of hotels/B&Bs (2025)
2025
A shortage of available housing stock meant the council often resorted to renting hotel rooms or bed and breakfasts to house the homeless in 2025.
Glasgow declares housing emergency (2023)
2023
Glasgow became the first Scottish city to declare a housing emergency in 2023, reflecting a long-standing housing shortage and rising need among asylum seekers and refugees.
Local connection rule removed from homelessness support (2022)
2022
Changes agreed by MSPs gradually stripped out the 'local connection' hurdles in Scotland's homelessness system, widening eligibility across local authorities and affecting how temporary accommodation may be allocated when flats become available.